Jill Scott @ Northerly Island

Jilly from Philly shows up to cool things off in your life. Tickets start at $31 before fees, and are still available.

World Hoop Day @ Wicker Park

Not basketball, but the other kind of "hoop": the Hula Hoop for those old enough to remember it. Professional HH'ers will give demos and lessons at the park, to the sounds of DJs. If you can't find your old hoop in the garage, there'll be hoops provided. The hip-swinging fun kicks off at 5 p.m. at the park, Damen and North Avenues. Check out their website for details.

Boxing @ Aragon Ballroom

ESPN2 will broadcast this one live. In the main event, light heavyweight contender Tavoris Cloud takes on ex-world champ Julio Gonzalez. The actions kicks off at 7 p.m. at the Aragon, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave.

08.08.08 @ 8:08

Join writer Amy Krouse Rosenthal and other Chicagoans at The Bean (aka Cloudgate) in Millennium Park at 8:08pm tonight to celebrate this once in a lifetime, uh, time. Invite here.

Carribean Festival @ Union Park

Tonight's Carribean Festival at Union Park (at Lake, Randolph and Ashland) promises to be a rollicking good time. Music, food (Yellowman!) and a celebration of health awareness are on the bill. More information is available on their site, but tickets are $5-15, and the event runs noon-10pm on Friday (8/8), Saturday (8/9) and Sunday (8/10).

Joey D @ Rotofugi Gallery

Rotofugi Gallery (1955 W. Chicago Ave.) hosts a showing of new work by Joey D today from 6-9 PM, including some artwork only available at this opening. Born out of iridescent, kinetic street-art and strange dreams, Joey D's work is whimsical, befuddling, and almost always smile-inducing.

Ginza Holiday in Old Town

Head to Old Town for the 53rd Annual Ginza Holiday, a Japanese cultural festival which will be presented by the Midwest Buddhist Temple in Old Town today through Sunday (435 West Menomonee). Japanese cultural exhibits and demonstrations, anime, taiko drumming, classical and folk dances, and martial arts are on the bill; the food promises to be awesome as well. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens. Children under 12 are free. Hours: Friday, 5:30- 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m.- 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 10, 11:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Gold Coast/River North Art Fair

Billing itself as the "Granddaddy" of American art festivals, the Gold Coast Art Fair kicks off today in River North. More than 300 juried artists will be participating in the 51st annual event. Live glassblowing demos, a Dick Blick art tent with interactive projects, and Art Fest Bingo provide lots of activities for the kids. Live music and local food vendors will also be on hand.

12-6 pm along LaSalle, at the intersections of Erie, Huron, and Superior. Free admission. More information at the fair website.

Bicycle Film Festival 2008

The 8th Annual Bicycle Film Festival is in town through Sunday and they've got a heck of a lot planned. Today, films and afterparty!

"The Bicycle Film Festival celebrates the bicycle. We are into all styles of bikes and biking. If you can name it-Tall Bike Jousting, Track Bikes, BMX, Alleycats, Critical Mass, Bike Polo, Cycling to Recumbents- we've probably either ridden or screened it. What better way to celebrate these lifestyles than through art, film, music and performance? We bring together all aspects of bicycling together to advocate its ability to transport us in many ways. Ultimately the Fest is about having a good time."

The complete program runs from the 6th till the 10th for five days of stellar two wheeled fun, movies, a scavenger hunt and a block party.

Check the details here, order pre-tickets and come on out!

The Silents, The Attraction @ Metro

Advancing the release of The Silent's debut album Sleepwalker, out September 9th. The Attraction celebrates it's own release. Free with this flyer before 6:30.

Phoebe Fisher and Kime Buzzelli Opening @ Heaven Gallery

Works by these two talented artists. 7 p.m. 1550 North Milwaukee, 2nd floor. For images of featured works, visit the Website.